West Highland Urban Hiking Denver

West Highland Urban Hiking Denver

The story of West Highland is very similar to Highland (notice no “s”, according to the official list of Denver neighborhoods.) Like its eastern neighbor Highland, West Highland formed out of the desire for folks to get out of the smokey bottom lands of Denver and find cleaner air. So it’s no wonder the neighborhood is filled with turn-of-the century Victorians, a few TB sanitariums, and smaller homes that filled in where the larger homes gave way.

The First Female Zookeeper

Also “out in West Highland”, rose the famous Elitch’s Zoological Gardens. Run by Mary Elitch, the first female zookeeper, botanic gardener, and theatre owner in the US, this once a booming entertainment complex with live shows, amusements, carousels, and concerts, its theatre and famous labyrinth remain. Sadly the gardens are gone, but the amusements and rides are now in the Central Platte Valley, also known as LoDo (Denver.) The Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation now owns and runs the current venue.

Tony Lived Here!

While walking the neighborhood, be sure to pass through what the locals hope is a future Packard Historic District between Lowell and the alley between Perry and Osceola, 32nd and 35th. This area is where many famous women used to live, including Antoinette Perry, namesake of the “Tony Awards”.

Where do you want to go in Denver?

Recent Thoughts

Colorado is known for mild weather, beautiful mountains and a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Lucky for you there are dozens of hiking trails near Denver that exemplify why Denver is an outdoor destination all year round.

Here at UrbanHikingDEN we explore the best hikes in Denver, showing you where to head if you want to get out on the trail within minutes of the city center.

Hiking in Denver is a year-round activity. With well-maintained trails and easy access to the most populated areas of town, hiking Denver is an activity you can enjoy both when you are local to the city or visiting from out of town. Taking an urban hike in Denver is easy and close by.

Chris Englert has personally hiked all 78 neighborhoods in Denver and is a foremost expert on the best hikes in Denver. Colorado.